T3 PINK COMPACT TRAVEL HAIRDRYER

Whenever I travel anywhere - overnight, long weekend, week away or go away for even longer, there are two items I always have with me - Hair Straighteners and Hairdryer and until now I only had a full sized hairdryer which weighs a tonne and takes up far too much room, but lets face it, those offered in hotel rooms are A) awful, B) crap and C) I could blow my own hair dry much quicker and travel hairdryers are just as useless, until now!

I went to the launch party for the new T3 Featherweight Pink Compact Hairdryer, Now first of all it is not only pink, it is baby pink and oh gosh it is so super light to handle that it is much easier for travelling or chucking in your gym bag! As you can see in my photos above, there's a hinge at the top of the handle that allows it to fold in on itself, it makes it so much easier to pack away and is perfect for folding up into my little suitcase.

So why is it so amazing? Well, apart from being pink and travel friendly, it actually dries my hair in half the time my current Babyliss hairdryer takes. Using what is called T3 Tourmaline® SoftAire™ it uses a specially engineered fan which generates a high volume of ion-enriched air. That air exits the dryer in a wide cone shape at a soft, gentle speed that allows you to dry large sections of hair - fast. Negative ions in the airflow cancel static and quickly seal the cuticle, which helps hair retain natural moisture, reduces frizz and enhances shine.  So instead of my hair taking 20-25 minutes to dry, using this it takes between 12-17 minutes, which is insanely impressive.  

The T3 Featherweight dryer features 2 Speeds/Heat Settings which are designed to work perfectly with all hair types and textures and there is also what is called a 'Cool Shot' which helps lock in any style for a smooth, sleek finish.  Whenever I dry my hair, I start off on the highest setting and then move to the cool shot once I am happy my hair is dry.  Admittedly, I don't dry my hair everytime I wash it, I do like to leave it to dry as often as I can. Once my hair is dry, there is a notable difference in the lack of static within my hair and whilst I have naturally wavy hair, my hair is much sleeker to the touch, so using my hair straighteners is an absolute breeze and the style holds for much longer, seemingly because I am using less products to reduce frizz and static.

It naturally comes with a 2 year warranty and has switchable Dual Voltage so it is even easier for travelling internationally (though you will still need the adapter), a 2.7 metre cord.  As someone who spends a lot of money on haircare, I think it is only right to also have the right tools to keep it in the best condition possible and for £125, I think this hairdryer is a worthy investment.

Origins Mix & Mask Box by Britishbeautyblogger

I am a huge fan of the BBB Beauty boxes and have had quite a few of them in my time. The current Origins Mix and Mask Box really excited me. I am a huge fan of Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask and it does wonders for my skin when it feels dehydrated and in need of some TLC and that is where my experience with Origins ends. The chance to try some more products from the range was too good an opportunity to miss.

Inside the box there is Five products and a quad of pods. The quad of pods is such a fantastic idea and if you haven't seen them already, you can go along to an Origins stand and purchase a selection of pod masks to try out and they are also handy for travelling with too.

So inside the box we have:

Maskimizer Skin Optimizing Mask Primer

A mask primer sound pretty ingenious to me and it is exactly what it says it is. This primers helps to improve the effectiveness of your clay, cream or sheet face mask. Using a Marine Algae Complex, the lightweight primer hydrates skin and softens pores to allow the mask to spread evenly on the face, whilst helping to boost radiance and hydrate your complexion. It is a fine mist spray, so it is really light on the skin and quite refreshing at the same time. This is a 95ml Full Size, value £18.50.

By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleansing Mask

I adore the sound of this. This Mask is a self-activating foam mask with Green Tea, Spirulina and Spinach helps gently deep clean and unclog pores without stripping skin. Perfect for a skin detox and given it packed full of rich antioxidants, vitamins and minerals it sounds just incredible. You will also find Coconut derived cleansers and Kaolin Clay help remove skin-damaging dirt, pollution and pore-cloggers. So skin gets its’ deepest, purest clean. Feels cool, clear and totally refreshed. A 25ml, Luxury Sample Size, value £11.42

Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy Boosting Moisturiser Sheer Tint 

This is a multi-tasking moisturiser that handles the vital jobs of hydrating, energising and protecting to maintain skin's momentum all day. Designed to give your skin a refreshing zing of antioxidant-rich Mangosteen, it adds a healthy hit of radiance that mimics the glow you get from a week's vacation. All in 10 seconds max. This is a 50ml full size, £29

Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

The only product that I have tried from Origins and reviewed here. I absolutely love this and it uses a blend of avocado and apricot kernel oils along with Japanese seaweed to not only make your skin feel super soft and smooth but it does an amazing job at instantly hydrating skin. Designed to be used around twice a week, it is divine. A 30ml luxury sample size, value £6.90

Original Skin Retexturising Mask Pod with Rose Clay

This is an innovative 2-in-1 mask which is made with Mediterranean Rose Clay, Canadian Willow Herb and exfoliating Jojoba beads. Said to help gently deep clean while refining skins texture. Pores appear to vanish. Clarity is restored. Glow is instant. A 30ml luxury sample size, value £6.90

GinZing Peel Off Mask 

This is the mask I cannot wait to try! My obsession with coffee beauty products is well and truly indulged with refreshing peel-off mask which is fortified with Coffee Beans. So I not only love that it is a peel off mask, who doesn't love to peel off a mask I ask you. It also uses fruit acids and Panax Ginseng alongside the coffee to lift away stubborn dead skin cells, dirt and debris to smooth and refine the skin. A 15ml sample size, value £4.80.

Mask Pods 

This to me is such a great idea for two reasons. Firstly it is a great introduction to Origins masks, a sort of try before you buy if you like. I am a huge fan of getting a decent sized sample product rather than purchasing something full sized and not liking it. Secondly, I am a huge fan of multi-masking. Different areas on my face often need different treatments, more so because I have combination skin which leaves me with an oilt tzone but dry cheeks, so I need lots of moisture in parts and not so much in others.

In my box I got the following:

• Out of Trouble 10 minute Mask Pod to Rescue Skin 
• Drink Up 10 minute Mask Pod to Quench skins Thirst 
• Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask Pod to Clear Pores 

I think the names on these are self explanatory as to what it is they do but for my skin type, Clear Improvement and Drink Up are perhaps the two I would partner to multi-mask. These are 10ml each, value £2.50 each.

If you ever wanted an introduction to a well known brand like Origins, then this is it. It is just absolutely amazing, more than value for money when the contents are quadruple the £20 it cost to purchase. I think this is my favourite box yet.

If all of that isn't enough, inside your box is a code for £10 off when you spend £30 at www.origins.co.uk, a great little treat if you have found a product you absolutely love.

YOU BEAUTY BOX: THE JET SET EDIT: JULY 2016

There have been a few changes to You Beauty Box this month and I am not too sure I like it. It used to be £6.95 per month and for that money you would get to choose two products and then you would be sent two treats. Now you have a choice of three different types of subscription which allows you to selected 2,3 or 4 products with the prices varying accordingly.  I now have the Silver membership option which are £8.95 I can now select a third product from those available on the monthly shortlist. I also receive the usual monthly treats, brand offers, FREE P&P, email previews and the option to cancel at any time.

This months You Beauty Discovery Box is titled 'The Jet Set Edit' and it is packed full of summer beauty buys, perfect for going on holiday with, preparing for that holiday and a touch of glamour. The edit this month features products for your hands, lips, face, body, Sun protection, perfume, nail polish, make up and your hair.

Now initially I had attempted to add Alpha H Liquid Gold to my box, but after a few technical issues, it wasn't to be and the selection was quickly sold out. So instead I had to make further selections and this is what I chose:

White Rabbit Skincare, Lime & Coconut Cleansing Water (30ml £2.25)

I have never come across the brand before and Lime & Coconut sounds like an amazing cocktail, never mind skincare.  White Rabbit Skincare is a brand which hails from Scotland and is described as being 'Luxury Vegan'.  So this Cleansing Water, as you can imagine smells incredible, I absolutely love it andit is  suitable for all skin types!  I have been using it as a first cleanse and it is great for removing make up, dirt and grime from your skin and it does leave my skin feeling so soft and smooth, it is hard not to love it.  

This is definitely one of those brands I might never have discovered had it not been for a beauty box and it is something I am grateful to have found.  A full sized 200ml bottle costs just £15 which is an absolute bargain.

Illamasqua Precision Ink Liner in Abyss (Fullsize £20.50)

This went into my box for a friend who absolutely loves it.  The Precision Ink creates perfect lines with its long-lasting water-proof formula.

With a luxurious fluid consistency which impart rich, effortless colour in one stroke, Precision Ink Eyeliner is perfect for use on the eyes, but can also be used on the face and body for creating sensational makeup effects. As you can see, the Precision Ink Eyeliner has an ultra-thin brush which allows for intricate sharp lines whilst the waterproof formula stays put until you decide it's time to take it off.

Rodial STEMCELL Super-Food Glam Balm Multi (25ml £17.50)

Having tried the lip balm and liking it, I have been wanting to try the Glam Balm Multi for a while.  Described as being 'a super-intensive anti aging multi purpose nourishing balm' it can be used in over 100 different ways to feed skin essential nutrients, restore moisture and balance out dehydrated skin. Using innovative PhytoCellTec Alp Rose stem cells combined with 3D Hyaluronic Filling Spheres it works to quickly reduce the look of fine lines and boost appearance of skin's vitality. 

Glam Balm Multi is packed with a revitalising cocktail of super-food oils and vitamins skin remains protected and moisturised.

Key Benefits:

• Stem Cell (PhytoCellTec™ Alp Rose Flower): Protects against environmental stress.
• VCIP Vitamin C: Helps corrects sun damage an skin tone.
• Calendula Oil: Soothes and calms the skin whilst protecting against skin irritation.
• Hyaluronic Filling Spheres: Instantly plumps fine lines and wrinkles.

The Treats in this months box comes from St Tropez and it is their newest In Shower Gradual Tan Lotion in shade medium.  I was really impressed with the original (here) and I am looking forward to giving this a try so I can see if there is any difference or much change in colour. 

Plus there is a £10 gift card to use with White Rabbit and it has no minimum spend, so I might just be picking up another cleansing water!

So there you have the July You Beauty Box and it is a pretty good box this month, a really good selection of products.  What do you think?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise